Political Science

The doctoral study program of Political Science with Specialization Security and Strategic Studies is geared toward preparing highly qualified experts in the field of political science and security studies. The program is focused particularly on analysis of contemporary political systems and regimes (in variable analytic levels), comparative analysis and typologies of political parties, movements, and organized interests, electoral studies, research of recent developmental trends in political theory and methodology, and on political marketing. In security area, the program is focused particularly on political extremism and terrorism, organized crime, cyber security and other current security phenomenons.

After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:

• understand theories, concepts and methods which are at the forefront of knowledge of political science at the international level
• suggest and use advanced research methods which can enlarge knowledge
• desing extensive research activities and obtain resources for their implementation
• clearly and persuasively communicate his/her own knowledge in the field of political science to the other members of the scientific community at international level and to the general public

Graduates of the doctoral studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences MU acquire qualifications enabling them to apply as (1) researchers carrying out basic political and security research, (2) members of scientific and pedagogical staff and (3) experts and analysts with relevant thematic focus.

Practical training is not an obligatory part of the study plan. Within the specialization Security and Strategic Studies, students can pass a compulsory elective course, the essence of which is an internship with an employer dealing with security issues.

Study is completed by the state doctoral examination (oral exam) and the doctoral thesis defence (required length from 150 to 250 pages). Students have to choose from two subject areas: a) Modern Political Theory, b) Comparative Political Science and Czech Politics. A week before the final state exam is administered, students submit a proposal in which they suggest a list of 20–25 scientific literature sources (written in Czech or English) which will constitute a basis for the oral exam in the chosen subject area. At least a half of the sources must be available in the faculty library. This list of books must be approved by the chairman of the state exam board.